A def son of a gun

from Beastie Boys – Rhymin' and Stealin' Lyrics on Rap Genius

‘Def’ meant cool or excellent.

Lyric is arguably a shout out to Def Jam, the record label which had Russell Simmons and the legendary Rick Rubin behind the production on this album.

Rubin had cofounded Def Jam with Russell Simmons, but then broke away to establish his own label, “Def American Records.” By the 90s, Rubin could see that the word, “Def,” was losing its cache. On August 27, 1993, after renaming his company, “American Records,” Double R wanted closure. On that day, he officially laid the word to rest, even going so far as to:

• Obtain a legal death certificate
• Purchase a real life-size casket
• Secure a plot at the Hollywood Cemetery (still there to this day)
• Hold a ceremony with Rev. Al Sharpton acting as officiator

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